Answers, Part XI

If we win in Cal, are we a bowl team? If we are a bowl team, would Neuheisel be the PAC10 coach of the year?
If UCLA wins at Cal, I still think it will be hard to make a bowl game. It would mean UCLA still needs at least two wins against Oregon State, Washington, Arizona State and USC. As far as coach of the year, Mike Stoops could be in line for it if you want to deal with hypotheticals since the Wildcats could win the league.

Is there a reason why we are successful at going after players from Hawaii all of a suddent? Does it have anything to do with Chow?
I think some of it has to do with Chow, and some of it is circumstance.

Howland has mentioned that he has had a couple very good practices. Does it mean that the freshmen are better than expected?
No, but it may mean the freshmen are picking up things more quickly than expected.

Although he would have had to redshirt for a year, what impact would Alex Stepheson made as a practice player?
I think a significant impact because it would mean players practicing against better players, and competition is always a good thing. Ask Neuheisel.

With the recent commitments, have the coaches started resorting to the next group of targets after they couldnt land the top flight targets?
I don't think that is what the coaching staff is thinking. I believe the staff thinks they landed a few very good prospects who were high on several school's lists.

Since we are at the mid point of the season, do you still think that Walker and Chow are outstanding coordinators with the job that they have done with the talent? Will Walker be persued by other programs still?
Yes, I think they are outstanding coordinators because both guys are dealing with deficiencies, lack of talent on offense and lack of experience (and some talent) on defense. I think some programs will look at Walker, but equally important is whether Walker wants to look at other programs.

What is the reasoning behind a player committing and still visiting other schools? Does it mean that he can change his mind later? He is considered a soft commit?
It means the kid wants to make sure he chose the right school, or wants to take a free two-day vacation and see a part of the country he either enjoys, or has never traveled to. He can change his mind, but it doesn't happen often.

Since we havent landed top flight Olinemen yet, are we going to go through the major issues with Oline next year again?
I would think Stanley Hasiak from Hawaii qualifies as a top-flight lineman.

Do you know if UCLA is considering moving its team to the shady side of the stadium? Are they not because then they'd have to move the student section to the shady side and move donors to the sunny side? Can you please ask CRN what he thinks about moving?
They are on the sunny side because that way they are on television the whole game. Most schools do it that way. And I don't see myself asking Neuheisel that question.

what does howland look at when he is recruiting a player? how important is character in recruiting a player?
Character is a huge part of it because Howland needs someone who can handle his demanding style of coaching. A player must be coachable to play for Howland.